French defender William Saliba has been given the all-clear for the upcoming World Cup, overcoming a back issue that had raised concerns. His availability for France's Group I opening match against Senegal on June 16 is now confirmed, much to the relief of the national team. Saliba's recent participation in a friendly was limited as a precautionary measure, reflecting the team's careful management of his condition to ensure his full fitness for the tournament.
The 25-year-old footballer underwent scans last week to assess the discomfort in his back, which emerged after playing the full 120 minutes in Arsenal's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. Despite the initial worries, coach Didier Deschamps downplayed the seriousness of the injury, indicating that Saliba's restricted role in Monday's friendly against Northern Ireland was a cautious approach rather than a sign of a major setback. Deschamps substituted Saliba at halftime, bringing in Maxence Lacroix to manage his recovery effectively.
Saliba himself confirmed earlier this week that treatments had successfully alleviated the pain. His strong performance with Arsenal this season, contributing significantly to their first Premier League title in 22 years across 50 of 63 matches, underscores his importance to both club and country. Deschamps had previously stated, "William is fine and will be managed. If he had needed to play tomorrow, he would have played," reinforcing confidence in the defender's recovery.
Saliba joined the French national team training camp on June 2, alongside several Paris Saint-Germain players, including Bradley Barcola and Lucas Hernandez. Following the friendly, the team is scheduled to travel to the United States to prepare for their World Cup campaign. After the Senegal game, France will face Iraq on June 22 and Norway on June 26 in their remaining group-stage fixtures. Saliba, who has accumulated 31 caps for France since his senior debut in 2022, is considered a definite starter for Deschamps, likely partnering with Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, provided he remains healthy. The squad also includes other notable defenders such as Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, and Theo Hernandez, providing depth in the backline. FIFA regulations allow teams to replace players up to 24 hours before their first match in cases of severe injury or illness, subject to approval.
The French squad's preparation for the World Cup is now fully focused on their upcoming matches, with Saliba's confirmed fitness providing a crucial boost. The team is poised to make a strong start in Group I, relying on their key players to deliver top performances. The meticulous management of Saliba's injury reflects the team's commitment to ensuring all players are in optimal condition for the challenging tournament ahead, aiming for a successful campaign on the international stage.